RURAL schools struggling with the drought will not be stripped of teachers, the state government has declared. The iron-clad guarantee comes as many schools face fewer enrolments due to the impacts of drought, which has already forced a number of families from across the region to relocate, causing a decline in student numbers. School enrolments are a significant factor in the way the NSW government allocates resources, funding and teachers to the state’s public schools. Schools that lose students typically have had a reduction in staff. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said 22 schools in his electorate had received a “guarantee for continued teacher employment”. “The last thing our communities need right now is to lose valuable local jobs,” Mr Marshall said. “I am very well aware of how tough the drought has been on families and communities across the Northern Tablelands and I’m pleased to see this decision made which will help ease its impact.” In totally, 220 schools in isolated areas suffering from intense drought conditions have been guaranteed their staffing entitlements this year, with a further 35 schools on the border of drought-affected areas also able to apply for the concession. Mr Marshall said staffing entitlements at the impacted schools next year would have resulted in about 100 job losses across country NSW without “this important intervention”. “However, this decision means that isolated school communities severely impacted by the drought will have certainty and be able to continue to support local students and their families,” he said. Northern Daily Leader

Schools struggling with drought will not be stripped of teachers

STAYING PUT: Fewer enrolments often means fewer teachers, but the government will look after drought-affected schools.

RURAL schools struggling with the drought will not be stripped of teachers, the state government has declared.

The iron-clad guarantee comes as many schools face fewer enrolments due to the impacts of drought, which has already forced a number of families from across the region to relocate, causing a decline in student numbers.

School enrolments are a significant factor in the way the NSW government allocates resources, funding and teachers to the state’s public schools. Schools that lose students typically have had a reduction in staff.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said 22 schools in his electorate had received a “guarantee for continued teacher employment”.

“The last thing our communities need right now is to lose valuable local jobs,” Mr Marshall said.

“I am very well aware of how tough the drought has been on families and communities across the Northern Tablelands and I’m pleased to see this decision made which will help ease its impact.”

In totally, 220 schools in isolated areas suffering from intense drought conditions have been guaranteed their staffing entitlements this year, with a further 35 schools on the border of drought-affected areas also able to apply for the concession.

Mr Marshall said staffing entitlements at the impacted schools next year would have resulted in about 100 job losses across country NSW without “this important intervention”.

“However, this decision means that isolated school communities severely impacted by the drought will have certainty and be able to continue to support local students and their families,” he said.